The Cal Sailing Club is a non-profit, volunteer-run sailing and windsurfing club, located at the Berkeley Marina, that offers lessons, recreation, and free programs for the general public. Learn more about who we are. Membership costs just $120 for 3 months ($99 for students and seniors) plus 2 hours volunteer work.
There are no charges for lessons or use of equipment. Jack Chen produced a video that covers inspecting, rigging and reefing a Quest, including putting the boat in the water with the hoist. You can also find it in our library of instructional videos at Lessons > Sailing > Videos. How do I start windsurfing at the Cal Sailing Club?
There are no charges for lessons or use of equipment. Jack Chen produced a video that covers inspecting, rigging and reefing a Quest, including putting the boat in the water with the hoist. You can also find it in our library of instructional videos at Lessons > Sailing > Videos. How do I start windsurfing at the Cal Sailing Club?
Services
The Cal Sailing Club is a non-profit, volunteer-run sailing and windsurfing club that offers lessons, recreation, and free programs for the general public and for summer programs. Members get lessons and, after achieving ratings, use of the club's fleet of 26 dinghies, 6 keelboats and 80 windsurfing boards including novice, intermediate, and advanced designs.
The Cal Sailing Club is located in the Berkeley Marina between Cal Adventures and Adventure Playground. The club has no phone. Unless you're towing a boat or carrying a windsurf board, the best way to CSC is by bicycle. The Bay Path runs along the shore and will take you from Richmond or Emeryville.
CSC's fleet includes 28 dinghies, 6 keelboats, dozens of sail boards, a couple kayaks, and two powerboats. We currently have eight Quests in the fleet. Designed by Jo Richards, Quests were designed to be the best small training boat available for beginners, and have trapezes and asymmetrical spinnakers for more advanced sailors.
The club's fleet of novice windsurf boards are stable and steady, making it as easy for beginners to stay upright on the water. They range from 160 to 250 liters in volume, and have centerboards to help you sail upwind. All are modern trainer boards that are wide and covered with foam for durability and traction.
Cal Sailing Club's Executive Committee is the board of directors for the club. Each officer has responsibility for one aspect of the club's operations and gets a vote in ExComm decisions on buying stuff, scheduling club activities, etc. The ExCommies are elected at General Membership Meetings in November and May.
Reviews (27)
Doug Couch
Jan 08, 2022
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Loretta McClinton
Aug 16, 2021
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Eva C.
Jul 11, 2021
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Peter Mui
Jun 03, 2021
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Yann J.
Mar 13, 2021
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Great sailing club. Provides quality equipment and run by passionate people. Joined for only $99 for 3 months and 2 hours of volunteering (gave windsurfing lessons to novice), which was actually a great experience. Highly recommend to anyone who would like to learn sailing or windsurfing, and also people more expert who just want to enjoy sailing in this part of the bay
Thomas Cahill
Jan 21, 2021
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Nicholas Waton
Jan 05, 2021
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An amazing place to learn how to sail or windsurf, or to connect with a community if you are already skilled. There are beginner, intermediate and advanced lessons and programs, racing, cruising. And all for an unbeatable price. As it is a volunteer-run, non-profit, things are organized a little bit differently compared to a business. But it's the sort of places where you will make new friends and learn something new every time you go.
Cmw
Nov 19, 2020
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Zee S.
Jun 25, 2019
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This might be one of the Bay Area's best kept secrets. I think the reason it's not better known is that the name implies an affiliation with UC Berkeley; people tend to assume that it's for students. But no! ANYONE can sail here, and for a very affordable price (considering what you get). This is a great place to learn to sail or windsurf, improve your existing skills, and have fun on the water. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. They have classes, day trips, events, and you learn how to maintain the equipment too.
I took classes there about ten years ago, but I have a few
I took classes there about ten years ago, but I have a few
Dara D.
Jul 17, 2018
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This sailing club is very inexpensive, but it's not for luxury or high-end socializing. It's just to get kids out perhaps. It's $300 a year or $99 3 months. That's a good price. And they have windsurfing. But they make you volunteer. I don't know if I would bother getting out to Berkeley from SF that much. My friend said he would take me out as a guest, but he said "You MAY get wet and soaked. Bring a change of clothes."
UMMM personally I really hate when I am on a sailboat and get wet. That is something I avoid. Maybe I am spoiled. But any boat situation where
UMMM personally I really hate when I am on a sailboat and get wet. That is something I avoid. Maybe I am spoiled. But any boat situation where
Joel G.
Jan 29, 2018
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This is not only the best deal in the Bay Area for learning how to sail, but also a terrific community. It is a great place to get access to the water and make friends. It's hard to sum up in a review. I highly encourage you to come on down and check it out. It operates remarkably well given that it is a volunteer-run organization. Also, it is the opposite of elitist. It has a friendly co-op feel. Perhaps that is why so many people volunteer so many hours.
Grace P.
Jul 14, 2017
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$99 membership for three months! It's probably the best deal out there for sailing/wind surfing.
All the staff are quite friendly and everyone is really chill. The website sucks though, and there isn't a number you can call. Apparently the most used discussion forum is on Yahoo. A lot of the gear can be banged up but still totally usable!
You'd need to go through their certification to rent out gear on your own and to go out farther than the novice level.
They provide everything from the board and sail to lifejackets sunscreen wetsuits and instruction!
All the staff are quite friendly and everyone is really chill. The website sucks though, and there isn't a number you can call. Apparently the most used discussion forum is on Yahoo. A lot of the gear can be banged up but still totally usable!
You'd need to go through their certification to rent out gear on your own and to go out farther than the novice level.
They provide everything from the board and sail to lifejackets sunscreen wetsuits and instruction!
Scott W.
May 29, 2017
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Attempt at a guide to Cal-Sailing for people who want to learn to sail ("everything I wish I knew but was too dumb to know to ask"):
Cost is a small fraction of other places. Viable for students and normal people -- yes, you can take up recreational sailing on the bay. The community vibe (non-profit/volunteer/just hang out after sailing) is the real attraction. Good way to meet people and make friends if you're new to the Bay Area. Often chaotic. Family friendly with family memberships.
Sign up on the website. Your membership number is your key. After you sign up and pay
Cost is a small fraction of other places. Viable for students and normal people -- yes, you can take up recreational sailing on the bay. The community vibe (non-profit/volunteer/just hang out after sailing) is the real attraction. Good way to meet people and make friends if you're new to the Bay Area. Often chaotic. Family friendly with family memberships.
Sign up on the website. Your membership number is your key. After you sign up and pay
Gerald C.
Nov 08, 2016
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Pretty cool sailing club. I like that they give back to the community through their first-of-the-month free rides in a small sailboat. Rides last about 20 minutes and take you out into the bay and back. If I lived closer, I might consider a membership - it's really quite an affordable way to learn to sail. Being so close to water, it almost behooves you to try it! They offer lessons, equipment, and more.
Monica K.
Dec 09, 2015
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10 stars. This place changed my life. Once upon a time, I spent my summers in the Bay Area bummed out about the wind and fog, longing for the hot and humid east coast. Then my now-husband took me to Cal Sailing Club, and before you know it, I was suiting up in a wetsuit, flying across the bay on a dinghy, and looking forward to the fierce summer winds that previously only made me shiver. (Ok, I still don't like the wind when I'm not sailing, but I try to go sailing often!) I've been a member now since 2011, and plan to stay with the club as long as I live in the Bay Area.
Cal Sailing
Cal Sailing
Sev G.
Sep 23, 2015
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BEEEEST PLACE TO GO SAILING!!!!!!!!! Come to the next open house, you will be sold.
Not only is it the most affordable sailing club I have ever been a member of, but it is also filled with lots and lots and LOTS of incredibly nice people. You will feel like you have become part of a community and you will definitely end up making great friends.
The sailing classes are on Mondays, Thursdays and Sundays, and are really good.
You can also practice/learn windsurfing with greatly skilled teachers.
Do not hesitate for a minute and be sure to come by to see for yourself.
Not only is it the most affordable sailing club I have ever been a member of, but it is also filled with lots and lots and LOTS of incredibly nice people. You will feel like you have become part of a community and you will definitely end up making great friends.
The sailing classes are on Mondays, Thursdays and Sundays, and are really good.
You can also practice/learn windsurfing with greatly skilled teachers.
Do not hesitate for a minute and be sure to come by to see for yourself.
Nicholas Richter
Aug 11, 2015
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Princess P.
Jan 15, 2015
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Stephanie C.
Nov 14, 2014
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CSC gets TWO thumbs up from me!
The boyfriend and I decided on a whim that we wanted to do something fun in Berkeley, and funcheapSF told us about CSC's monthly Open House where they offer a sailboat ride for free.
FOR FREE? I know what you're thinking...."What's the catch?"
You can trust me when I say there truly is no catch (there's a pun in here somewhere, I just know it) We pulled into a lot, signed a standard waiver and were promptly given life jackets. I was pleasantly surprised that no sign-ups were needed online or in advance. Then they divided us into two
The boyfriend and I decided on a whim that we wanted to do something fun in Berkeley, and funcheapSF told us about CSC's monthly Open House where they offer a sailboat ride for free.
FOR FREE? I know what you're thinking...."What's the catch?"
You can trust me when I say there truly is no catch (there's a pun in here somewhere, I just know it) We pulled into a lot, signed a standard waiver and were promptly given life jackets. I was pleasantly surprised that no sign-ups were needed online or in advance. Then they divided us into two
Adrienne R.
Oct 07, 2014
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CSC is such a delightful place. One membership fee and a brief safety training and you and yourself in your little wetsuit are out floating (er, surfing) on the bay.
I've lived in the East Bay almost my entire life and there was nothing like being ON the bay for the first time.
CSC is also a nice cooperative community full of people who are thrilled to help newbies learn the skills to get on the water. On weekends you can always find people lounging in the sun outside and often people have BBQs or other events.
Definitely the way to go if you want to learn to sail or windsurf and you
I've lived in the East Bay almost my entire life and there was nothing like being ON the bay for the first time.
CSC is also a nice cooperative community full of people who are thrilled to help newbies learn the skills to get on the water. On weekends you can always find people lounging in the sun outside and often people have BBQs or other events.
Definitely the way to go if you want to learn to sail or windsurf and you
Amy Z.
Aug 09, 2014
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Disclaimer: I'm dating someone on the Executive Committee.
With that being said, the CSC is one of those hidden Bay Area things that is accessible to everyone. We have a glorious bay in front of us, yet it's hard enough to fund housing let alone equipment for the water.
CSC is accessible to everyone and at a very affordable price.
It's possible to learn how to wind surf and sail and you don't have to invest in the upfront clothing that you will NEED on most days in the water. It gets really cold especially if you land in the water, but it's REALLY fun!
Great sense
With that being said, the CSC is one of those hidden Bay Area things that is accessible to everyone. We have a glorious bay in front of us, yet it's hard enough to fund housing let alone equipment for the water.
CSC is accessible to everyone and at a very affordable price.
It's possible to learn how to wind surf and sail and you don't have to invest in the upfront clothing that you will NEED on most days in the water. It gets really cold especially if you land in the water, but it's REALLY fun!
Great sense
Peter N.
Jun 26, 2014
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Disclaimer: I'm on the executive committee.
My review is not about our facilities, which are of course excellent and very cheap ;-) but about the vegan and beer aspects.
CSC hasn't always been entirely vegan friendly, but the cooks in the last year have made real efforts. Of course a good deal of our food comes from Grocery Outlet, which is very cheap, but not always ideal. And the meals we cook for lunch are often not served until middle of the afternoon.
So my advice for vegans is to take your own food (and you can safely forget about the bait shop across the road), and also make
My review is not about our facilities, which are of course excellent and very cheap ;-) but about the vegan and beer aspects.
CSC hasn't always been entirely vegan friendly, but the cooks in the last year have made real efforts. Of course a good deal of our food comes from Grocery Outlet, which is very cheap, but not always ideal. And the meals we cook for lunch are often not served until middle of the afternoon.
So my advice for vegans is to take your own food (and you can safely forget about the bait shop across the road), and also make
Reena R.
Nov 25, 2013
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This club is a total gem! Went to an open house, all by myself, on a whim. Learning to sail is definitely on my bucket list - so this "open house" seemed like a great opportunity to get my feet wet (so-to-speak - yarrharrharr!).
Parked in the gravel lot, donned my boat shoes & life jacket - and walked to the clubhouse. I saw the line of folks waiting to go out for a sail & hopped on in. After signing a release, I was sent on a dinghy with a trusty volunteer skipper & another fellow who was their to get his feet wet, too. We really didn't have any wind - but I still
Parked in the gravel lot, donned my boat shoes & life jacket - and walked to the clubhouse. I saw the line of folks waiting to go out for a sail & hopped on in. After signing a release, I was sent on a dinghy with a trusty volunteer skipper & another fellow who was their to get his feet wet, too. We really didn't have any wind - but I still
Joe N.
Sep 17, 2013
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Went during an open house and it was definitely something to experience at least once, if I lived closer I would definitely join their club. Enjoyed the smaller dingy much more than the bigger one. They let you go out on the water with a skipper, would definitely recommend as nice cheap date idea.
Get there early on open house days or you will be waiting in line. ^_^
Get there early on open house days or you will be waiting in line. ^_^
Amy D.
Apr 21, 2013
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Martin Shervington
Jun 02, 2012
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Ligaya T.
Aug 17, 2009
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Things you can get for $69:
- a month and a half of match.com
- 27 cups of Peet's or 19 of Blue Bottle
- 9 boilermakers at Missouri Lounge
- 7/8 of a meal at Chez Panisse
- 35 pounds of Satsumas in season
.... OR ....
Three months of good ol' fashioned fun at CSC!
This volunteer run club provides all the necessary equipage for sailing and windsurfing adventures provided you volunteer two hours to show other folks the ropes. Instruction is casually taught in this way, though proper licenses are needed to take passengers. Whether it be a skipper, windsurf board or kayak, rentals are free
- a month and a half of match.com
- 27 cups of Peet's or 19 of Blue Bottle
- 9 boilermakers at Missouri Lounge
- 7/8 of a meal at Chez Panisse
- 35 pounds of Satsumas in season
.... OR ....
Three months of good ol' fashioned fun at CSC!
This volunteer run club provides all the necessary equipage for sailing and windsurfing adventures provided you volunteer two hours to show other folks the ropes. Instruction is casually taught in this way, though proper licenses are needed to take passengers. Whether it be a skipper, windsurf board or kayak, rentals are free
